Telecom
12-Year-Old Spelling Bee Champion Takes Charge as MTN Nigeria’s One-Day CEO
In a heartwarming celebration of young talent, MTN Nigeria today announced Daniel Nkanu Victor, a student from Intimacy with Christ Secondary School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, as its honorary One-Day CEO. This recognition follows Daniel’s impressive triumph in the 2023 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition. With a confident stride and a contagious smile, the 12-year-old stepped into the shoes of industry veteran Karl Toriola at the helm of Africa’s largest telecommunications network at 9 am on Wednesday, January 31.
L- R: Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria; Mr Victor Nkanu, Father of One-Day CEO; Daniel Victor Nkanu, One-Day CEO, MTN Nigeria; Karl Olutokun Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria and Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria, at the One-Day CEO Event, which held at the MTN Headquarters Rooftop, Ikoyi Lagos on January 31, 2024.
“I’m honoured to be here today. Leading Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company, even just for today, is a very special experience for me and I want to thank my family, my teachers and everyone who cheered me on while I prepared for this competition. I look forward to learning a lot,” said Daniel Nkanu Victor, MTN Nigeria One-Day CEO, addressing MTN executives and media representatives.
Welcoming Daniel during the symbolic handover, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria said, “For a day, Daniel becomes a symbol of what we strive to achieve – a future where young Nigerians lead the way in technology, innovation, and social progress. His presence at the helm is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry and the opportunities we can create.”
“His journey is a message from MTN to every young Nigerian – we see your potential, we hear your voices, and we believe that you have the power to shape a better, more inclusive tomorrow. Initiatives like the Spelling Bee and the One-Day CEO are our way of saying, ‘We believe in you,’ and are committed to providing platforms for you to shine, learn, and become the leaders of tomorrow.”
In his capacity as CEO, Daniel engaged with key members of MTN Nigeria’s executive team. He also met with members of the media, where he confidently discussed key initiatives, including the unveiling of additional mPulse education data bundles.
Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria reflected on the significance of the initiative, saying, “We are delighted to recognise Daniel’s hard-earned victory. His success is a collective triumph for his family, his school, his teachers, and all of us who believe in the power of education.
Daniel, who out-spelled over 30,000 participants in the MTN mPulse spelling bee, attends the same school as last year’s winner, showcasing the school’s consistent commitment to nurturing such talent.
In addition to his honorary CEO title, Daniel was awarded a N2.5 million scholarship grant, a laptop, a smartphone, and an MTN goody bag. His English teacher and school received a N500,000 grant and modern ICT devices, respectively, acknowledging their integral role in his success.
Speaking on the day’s events, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer at MTN Nigeria, said “Today has been not only significant but also deeply inspiring. It’s heartening to see the impact of our initiatives on students like Daniel and the wider community. At MTN, we see investing in young people as a strategic investment in our nation’s future. By nurturing young minds like Daniel, we are building a generation of leaders who will drive human capital development and socio-economic growth.”
The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee is a self-development proposition designed by MTN Nigeria to promote digital literacy and academic excellence, and thus contribute to enhancing the nation’s educational sector.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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